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← Lewisham Parent And Carer's Forum

2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] April 2024 Period start date To 31[st] March 2025 Period end date

Charity name: Lewisham Parent and Carer’s forum

Charity registration number: 1159533

Objectives and Activities

SORP
reference
Summary of the
purposes of the
charity as set out
in its governing
document		 Para 1.17 ‘To relieve the needs of children with disabilities and/or
additional needs and their parents and families in Lewisham,
London; through participation in shaping local services, the
provision of education information and support. In advancing
these purposes the charity shall within the London Borough of
Lewisham: a. develop strategy and represent families of
‘Children with Special Needs’; b. to ensure parent participation
to enable parents to get involved in service planning and
decision making so that services meet the needs of families with
disabled children; c. provide a liaison point for statutory and
voluntary agencies; d. raise awareness of issues faced by
‘Children with Special Needs’ and their families; e. share
experiences, knowledge and skills with other relevant
organisations and individuals; and f. inform the London Borough
of Lewisham of any actual or potential breaches of current
policy regarding ‘Children with Special Needs’.’
Summary of the
main activities in
relation to those
purposes for the
public benefit, in
particular, the
activities, projects
or services
identified in the
accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 Events and activities
We hosted monthly face to face coffee mornings which were
very well attended, with around 5 to 15 parents/carers per
session. Some of the attendees were new parents and signed
up to the Parent Forum.
We provide a very comprehensive monthly newsletter with lots
of information to help families, we also provide intermediate
news bulletins for important/urgent news as and when it is
received. Bi monthly SEND and Health news bulletins. We
send these to 522 subscribers including schools and
professionals.
We update our website regularly with events and news, together
with our Facebook page.
We also host Parent Forum Meetings inviting speakers to talk to
parent carers and gain feedback/provide information on topics
such as local services, local authority transitions.

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We run our board meetings, attending webinars and online training. We attend a monthly meeting with head of SEN Integrated Services We attended Lewisham College and Bromley College events, and Greenvale special school open day – which were very well attended throughout the day, and was good as a networking opportunity. Our work involved the following: Attending ICB co-production events, SEND Employment meetings, Education Steering Group, health event, Launch of All Age Autism event, secondary school academy presentation. Also, we took part in the Local Area Inspection, Social Care Consultation, London Councils and the Strategic Managers and Parent Carer Network. PINS Project - 2 representatives attending 28 schools x 4 during a 6 month period. Supporting Drumbeat Outreach team in working with school heads and SENCOs. Providing information to parents/carers, advice, signposting and gaining new members. We are involved in Delivering Better Values/SEND Strategy, and the SEND Programme Board. Attended Peoples' Partnership meetings and Carers meetings. Core Costs The costs that are fundamental to providing our service are: Parent Participation Officer payments to facilitate the Parent Forum To include: website maintenance and hosting, rent, software/security, annual liability insurance, Zoom, texting service, accountant and accounts software and support, stationery, bank charges and training. Promotional items plus resource folders for schools. Training for trustees, and self-employed staff. Attend National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) Regional Cluster Group Meetings. Taking calls, meeting with parents, giving advice on services and signposting. Other work City Bridge Funding was transferred to our Autism social girls’ group. Benefits/financial advice is high.

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Statement
confirming whether
the trustees have
had regard to the
guidance issued
by the Charity
Commission on
public benefit		 Para 1.18 The trustees have paid due regard to the guidance issued by
the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP
reference
Policy on grant
making		 Para 1.38 Not applicable
Policy on social
investment
including program
related investment		 Para 1.38 Not applicable
Contribution made
by volunteers		 Para 1.38 Volunteers play a necessary and vital role in maintaining the
Parent Forum and its activities. Our Trustees and other
volunteers attend many meetings, consultations, our drop in
sessions, help with workshops/training and organising our main
event, and we have much to thank for their loyalty and diligence
for the work they undertake on behalf of the parents and carers
in Lewisham.

Achievements and Performance

SORP
reference
Summary of the
main achievements
of the charity,
identifying the
difference the
charity’s work has
made to the
circumstances of
its beneficiaries
and any wider
benefits to society
as a whole.		 Para 1.20 Achievements and performance
•
Run our regular board meetings,
•
Attending webinars and online training
•
Meetings/networking with other organisations –
SENDIASS, Lewisham Community Connections,
Lewisham Speaking Up, Kooth, Access Sport, Mencap,
•
Attending meetings on SEND stakeholder groups.
General
•
We share our knowledge and information with parents
and carers, our London Cluster Group, and all others as
above.
•
We encourage parent participation
and, by engaging with service providers, we can be a
greater influence to the services that provide support for
our young people in Lewisham.
•
Our training and workshops give knowledge, resilience
and some reduction of isolation to our parents and
carers.

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Financial Review

Review of the
charity’s financial
position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 Income for the year totalled £66,720 (2024: £61,873) of which
£3,808 (2024: £691) was unrestricted. Expenditure in the year
amounted to £53,658 (2024: £62,555) with £1,449 (2024: £nil)
being spent from unrestricted income funds. All other
expenditure related to restricted income funds.
Total funds held at the end of the year were £25,600 (2024:
£12,538).
Statement
explaining the
policy for holding
reserves stating
why they are held		 Para 1.22 The charity aims to build up modest reserves to cover
unexpected costs, funding delays and other cashflow needs. At
31st March 2025 our unrestricted general funds stand at £5,526
(2024: £3,167) with Restricted funds carried forward of £20,074
(2024: £9,371). The Trustees feel that, given the funding agreed
for the following year, these reserves are sufficient to continue
operations.
Amount of reserves
held		 Para 1.22 Unrestricted reserves for the year are £5,526 (2024: £3,167)
Reasons for
holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 N/A
Details of fund
materially in deficit		 Para 1.24 N/A
Explanation of any
uncertainties about
the charity
continuing as a
going concern		 Para 1.23 There are no uncertainties about the charity continuing as a
going concern, but we do have to consider the economic climate
especially with relation to our Government funding.

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Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s
principal sources of
funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 Our main source of funding is from the Department of Education
and we have a yearly contribution from the Local Authority.
Investment policy
and objectives
including any social
investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46 N/A
A description of the
principal risks
facing the charity		 Para 1.46 If we are no longer funded by the Department of Education, we
will need to seek other funding and add/make changes to our
work.

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of
charity’s trusts:
Type of governing
document
(trust deed, royal
charter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Trustee selection
methods including
details of any
constitutional
provisions e.g.
election to post or
name of any
person or body
entitled to appoint
one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 The charity’s constitution states that we are required to have a
minimum of 4 trustees with a maximum of 15. Trustees must be
appointed by resolution passed at a properly convened meeting
of the charity’s trustees. The charity’s trustees must have regard
to the skills, knowledge, experience and ability needed for the
effective administration of the CIO.

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Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and
procedures
adopted for the
induction and
training of trustees		 Para 1.51 We have policies and procedures in place to cover the induction
and training of trustees.
The charity’s
organisational
structure and any
wider network with
which the charity
works		 Para 1.51 We have a charity organisational structure in place.
Relationship with
any related parties		 Para 1.51 Payments were made to our Chair of Trustees outside the role
of Trustee to purchase, prepare and provide food for our events
during the year. This was agreed by our trustees.
Also, payments made for the PINS project for work undertaken
outside the role of Trustee.
The Chair of Trustees received £521 for travel expenses to
attend trustee meetings.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum
Other name the charity uses LPCF
Registered charity number 1159533
Charity’s principal address Leemore Centre
Bonfield Road
Lewisham
London SE13 5EU

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee(if any)
Nalan Salih Chair
Julie Traquair
Paula Snasdell
Louise Hill

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

CHAIR Signature(s) Nalan Salih Full name(s) Nalan Salih Date 29th January 2026

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum members of On accounts for the year 31[st] March 2025 Charity no 1159533 ended (if any) Set out on pages 8 & 9 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation

Responsibilities and of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act basis of report 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: KR Moss Date: 29th January 2026 Name: Kathleen Moss ACMA, CGMA ~~Cs~~ Relevant professional Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 48 Lawn Terrace London SE3 9LP

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Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum 1159533 1159533
1st April 2024
31st March 2025
Receipts and payments accounts
Period start date
Period end date
To
For the period
from
~~ee~~		 CC16a
Section A Receipts and payments Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Endowment
funds		 Total funds Total funds Last year
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Department for Education - 16,252 - 16,252 20,022
LB Lewisham salary grant - 12,500 - 12,500 12,500
Fundraising& donations 3,808 210 - 4,018 691
CityBridge Trust - 15,000 - 15,000 16,500
The National Lottery-Awards for All - 18,390 - 18,390 -
Together for London - - - 8,642
Autism in Schools - - - - - 750
Leathersellars Foundation - 560 - 560 2,768
- - - - - -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR)		 (Gross income for
AR)
3,808		 62,912 - 66,720 61,873
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sub total
-
-
-
-
-
Total receipts
3,808
62,912
-
66,720
61,873
~~——————~~
A3 Payments
Staff costs - 32,237 - 32,237 39,505
Office rent - 2,979 - 2,979 2,979
PPS & office costs - 2,360 - 2,360 2,316
Parent Forum meetings - 963 - 963 874
Website &publicity - 3,073 - 3,073 2,593
Governance - 527 - 527 594
Events & activitycosts 1,449 8,485 - 9,934 12,071
Indepdendent examination - 450 - 450 376
Accountancysoftware - 165 - 165 -
Training& supervision - 863 - 863 948
Bank charges - 107 - 107 115
Volunteer expenses - - - - - -
Other - - - - - 184
Sub total 1,449 52,209 - 53,658 62,555
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sub total
-
-
-
-
-
Total payments
1,449
52,209
-
53,658
62,555
~~——————~~
Net of receipts/(payments)
2,359
10,703
-
13,062
-682
A5 Transfers between funds
-
-
-
-
-
A6 Cash funds last year end
3,167
9,371
-
12,538
13,220
Cash funds this year end
5,526
20,074
-
25,600
12,538
~~=====>~~

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Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum 1159533 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period start date Period end date To from 1st April 2024 31st March 2025 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Categories Details funds funds fundsTotal to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ B1 Cash funds Unity Trust Bank Account 5,517 20,074 - Lloyds Business Card - Cash 9 - - Total cash funds 5,526 20,074 - (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) OK OK OK Fund to which Current value Cost (optional) Details asset belongs (optional) B4 Assets retained for the - - charity’s own use - - - - ~~—SS~~ Fund to which Amount due When due Details liability relates (optional) (optional) B5 Liabilities - - - Signed by one trustee on behalf of all Date of Signature Print Name the trustees approval Nalan Salih Nalan Salih 29th Jan 2026 ~~——S ==—~~

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